Wearable band including magnets

ABSTRACT

A wearable band for an electronic device and a method of forming the wearable band for the electronic device. The wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop, and a second strap portion positioned through the loop of the first strap portion. The second strap portion may include a first group of components positioned adjacent a first end of the second strap portion. The first group of components may include magnetic properties. The second strap portion may also include a second group of components positions adjacent a second end, opposite the first end, of the second strap portion. The second group of components may include magnetic properties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claimsthe benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/035,419, filedAug. 9, 2014, entitled “Wearable Band Including Magnets,” and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/035,999, filed Aug. 11, 2014,entitled “Wearable Band Including Magnets,” the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to a wearable band for an electronic device and a method offorming the wearable band for the electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wearable electronic devices include bands that couple theelectronic device to a user or a desired object for holding theelectronic device (e.g., bicycle handlebar). For example, a conventionalwristwatch typically includes a band that attaches the watch to a user'swrist. There are many varieties of conventional wearable bands forwatches including, but not limited to, elastic bands, flexible bandsincluding buckles, and metal bands including metal clasp. However, eachof these conventional bands may include negative aspects, and mayundesirably fail prior to the end of the expected operational life ofthe wearable electronic device.

For example, the conventional elastic band may lose its elasticproperties over time, and may become too big for a user's wrist, whichmay result in the electronic device unexpectedly slipping from a user'swrist and being damaged. In another example, the material forming theflexible bands may tear or deteriorate over time due to normal use overthe operational life of the band and/or the concentrated force appliedat the hole of the flexible band by the tongue of the buckle. The metalbands including the metal clasp may include a plurality of componentsall coupled together, which may fail, become uncoupled or malfunctionover time. That is, the plurality of components forming the metal bandmay become damaged, not function properly over time, or may becomeuncoupled, rendering the metal band incapable of attaching the wearableelectronic device to a user. When a conventional wearable band failsand/or is incapable of securely attaching the electronic device to auser's wrist, the band needs to be replaced and/or the wearableelectronic device may be susceptible to damage.

SUMMARY

Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to a wearable bandfor an electronic device, and methods of forming the wearable band forthe electronic device. The wearable band may include two strap portionscoupled to a wearable electronic device. The first strap portion mayinclude a loop and the second strap portion, capable of being insertedthrough the loop of the first strap portion, may include a plurality ofcomponents having magnetic properties (e.g., magnets, ferrous metals).The wearable electronic device including the wearable band may besecured to an object (e.g., user's wrist) by inserting the second strapportion through the loop of the first strap portion and releasablycoupling the components of the second strap portion to one another. Agroup of magnets positioned at a first end of the second strap portionmay be magnetically coupled to a distinct group of magnets positioned ata second end, opposite the first end, after the second end is positionedthrough the loop of the first strap portion and folded back on theremainder of the second strap portion. By utilizing magnets, themagnetic bond or coupling formed between the plurality of components inthe second strap portion may not substantially weaken or fail over time.Additionally, as a result of the components being included in and/orencased within the second strap portion, the risk of mechanical failure(e.g., loss or damage of components) may be substantially minimized.

One embodiment may include a wearable band. The wearable band mayinclude a first strap portion including a loop, and a second strapportion positioned through the loop of the first strap portion. Thesecond strap portion may include a first group of components positionedover a first length of the second strap portion. The first group ofcomponents may include magnetic properties. The second strap portion mayalso include a second group of components positioned over a secondlength of the second strap, distinct from the first length. The secondgroup of components may include magnetic properties.

Another embodiment may include a wearable electronic device. Thewearable electronic device may include a housing, and a wearable bandcoupled to the housing. The wearable band may include a first strapportion including a loop coupled to a first portion of the housing, anda second strap portion coupled to a second portion, opposite the firstportion, of the housing. The second strap portion may include a firstgroup of magnets positioned adjacent a first end of the second strapportion, a second group of magnets positioned adjacent a second end ofthe second strap portion. The second group of magnets may be positionedopposite the first group of magnets, and a plurality of insertspositioned between the first group of magnet and the second group ofmagnets. The plurality of inserts may include magnetic properties.

A further embodiment may include a method of forming a wearable band fora wearable electronic device. The method may include coupling aplurality of components to a protective layer. The plurality ofcomponents may include magnetic properties. The method may also includecoupling filler material to at least one of the protective layer and theplurality of components to form an internal assembly, and positioningthe internal assembly within a strap of the wearable electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative perspective view of a wearable electronicdevice including a portion of a wearable band, according to embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative top view of the wearable band as shown inFIG. 1, according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged top view of a portion of a first strap portionand a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in FIG. 2,according to additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section top view of a strap of the wearable bandtaken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-section side view of a portion of the strap of thewearable band taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4, according to embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 5B shows a cross-section side view of a portion of the strap of thewearable band taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 4, according to embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative top view of the wearable band as shown inFIG. 2 coupled to the loop, according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative side view of a portion of the wearable bandas shown in FIG. 6 coupled to the loop, according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged portion of a second strap portion of thewearable band as shown in FIG. 7 coupled to the loop, according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged cross-section top view of a second strapportion of the wearable band as shown in FIGS. 6-8 coupled to the loop,according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged portion of a second strap portion of thewearable band as shown in FIG. 7 coupled to the loop, according toadditional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative top view of a wearable band, according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a wearableband for an electronic device. This method may form the wearable band asshown in FIGS. 1-11.

It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily toscale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of theinvention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scopeof the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents likeelements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

The following disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, andmore particularly, to a wearable band for an electronic device and amethod of forming the wearable band for the electronic device.

The wearable band may include two strap portions coupled to a wearableelectronic device. The first strap portion may include a loop and thesecond strap portion, capable of being inserted through the loop of thefirst strap portion, may include a plurality of components havingmagnetic properties (e.g., magnets, ferrous metals). The wearableelectronic device including the wearable band may be secured to anobject (e.g., user's wrist) by inserting the second strap portionthrough the loop of the first strap portion and releasably coupling thecomponents of the second strap portion to one another. A group ofmagnets positioned at a first end of the second strap portion may bemagnetically coupled to a distinct group of magnets positioned at asecond end, opposite the first end, after the second end is positionedthrough the loop of the first strap portion and folded back on theremainder of the second strap portion. By utilizing magnets, themagnetic bond or coupling formed between the plurality of components inthe second strap portion may not substantially weaken or fail over time.Additionally, as a result of the components being included in and/orencased within the second strap portion, the risk of mechanical failure(e.g., loss or damage of components) may be substantially minimized.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-12. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a portable or wearableelectronic device 100, according to embodiments. Wearable electronicdevice 100, as shown in FIG. 1, may be configured to providehealth-related information or data such as, but not limited to, heartrate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data,diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips orinformation, or other health-related data. The wearable electronicdevice may optionally convey the health-related information to aseparate electronic device such as a tablet computing device, phone,personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. In addition, wearableelectronic device 100 may provide additional information, such as butnot limited to, time, date, health, statuses or externally connected orcommunicating devices and/or software executing on such devices,messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive anyof the foregoing from an external device), in addition tocommunications.

Wearable electronic device 100 may include a housing 102 at leastpartially surrounding a display 104 and one or more buttons 106 or inputdevices. The housing 102 may form an outer surface or partial outersurface and protective case for the internal components of wearableelectronic device 100, and may at least partially surround the display104. The housing 102 may be formed of one or more components operablyconnected together, such as a front piece and a back piece.Alternatively, the housing 102 may be formed of a single piece operablyconnected to the display 104. Housing 102 may include a plurality ofdistinct materials including, but not limited to: corundum, commonlyreferred to as sapphire, metal, glass or plastic. Additionally, housing102 may include a decorative and/or coating layer that be disposed onthe outer and/or or inner surface of housing 102. The decorative layerand/or coating layer may be disposed on the surface(s) of housing 102 toprotect the enclosure and/or provide a decorative feature (e.g.,exterior color) for electronic device 100.

Housing 102 may also include recesses 108 formed on opposite ends toconnect a wearable band 110 (partially shown in FIG. 1) to wearableelectronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, and discussed herein,wearable band 110 may include a first strap portion 112 coupled tohousing 102, and a second strap portion 118 positioned opposite firststrap portion 112 and coupled to housing 102. Wearable band 110, andspecifically first strap portion 112 and second strap portion 118, maybe used to secure wearable electronic device 100 to a user, or any otherobject capable of receiving wearable electronic device 100. In anon-limiting example where wearable electronic device 100 includes asmart watch, wearable band 110 may secure the watch to a user's wrist.In other non-limiting examples, wearable electronic device 100 maysecured to another part of a user's body using wearable band 110.Additionally in other non-limiting examples discussed herein, wearableband 110 may be formed as a single component coupled to housing 102 oras two distinct components coupled to opposite ends of housing 102.

Display 104 may be implemented with any suitable technology, including,but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquidcrystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology,organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organicelectroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of displaytechnology.

Button 106 may include any suitable input/output (I/O) device forelectronic device 100. Specifically, button 106 may include an actuationcomponent in electronic and/or mechanical communication with theinternal components of electronic device 100, to provide user inputand/or allow the user to interact with the various functions ofelectronic device 100. In an embodiment button 106 may be configured asa single component surrounded by housing 102. Alternatively, button 106may include a plurality of components, including an actuation component,in mechanical/electrical communication with one another and/or internalcomponent of electronic device 100.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative top view of wearable band 110 of FIG. 1.Specifically, FIG. 2 may show first strap portion 112 and second strapportion 118 forming wearable band 110 for wearable electronic device100. First strap portion 112 and second strap portion 118 may be formedfrom substantially the same material or any material including similarflexible and/or deformable characteristics. In a non-limiting example,first strap portion 112 and second strap portion 118 may be formed froma leather material.

First strap portion 112 and second strap portion 118 may be formed froma top layer 120 and a bottom layer 122 (see, FIG. 4) of material (e.g.,leather) bonded or coupled to one another. First strap portion 112 andsecond strap portion 118 may be formed using a single piece of materialor multiple pieces of material, where first strap portion 112 and secondstrap portion 118 include top layer 120 and bottom layer 122. In anon-limiting example, each of first strap portion 112 and second strapportion 118 may be formed from single, distinct pieces of material. Thesingle piece of material may be folded over itself to form top layer 120and bottom layer 122, and the folded portion may be positioned at ahousing end 124 (e.g., second strap portion 118). Housing end 124 offirst strap portion 112 (not shown) and/or second strap portion 118 maybe coupled to and/or positioned within recess 108 to couple wearableband 110, and specifically first strap portion 112 and second strapportion 118, to housing 102 of wearable electronic device 100 (see, FIG.1). In another non-limiting example, first strap portion 112 and secondstrap portion 118 may be formed from multiple pieces of material, whereeach distinct piece of material forms top layer 120 or bottom layer 122for first strap portion 112 and/or second strap portion 118. In anadditional non-limiting example discussed herein, wearable band 110 maybe formed from a single piece of material, such that first strap portion112 and second strap portion 118 are integrally formed.

First strap portion 112 and second strap portion 118 may include acoupling component 126 (shown in phantom) positioned substantiallyaround and/or adjacent to the perimeter of the respective strapportions. Coupling component 126 may include an suitable material ortechnique that may be used to couple top layer 120 and bottom layer 122to one another to form first strap portion 112 and/or second strapportion 118. Additionally, and as discussed herein, coupling component126 may be utilized within first strap portion 112 and/or second strapportion 118 to ensure internal components of the respective strapsremain within and/or between top layer 120 and bottom layer 122. In anon-limiting example, coupling component 126 may include an adhesive orbonding adjacent positioned adjacent the perimeter of first strapportion 112 and/or second strap portion 118 to bond top layer 120 tobottom layer 122. In another non-limiting example, coupling component126 may include a thread that may pass through top layer 120 and bottomlayer 122 around the perimeter of first strap portion 112 and/or secondstrap portion 118 to couple top layer 120 to bottom layer 122.

As shown in FIG. 2, first strap portion 112 may include a loop 128positioned at an end 130 adjacent a second strap portion 118. Asdiscussed herein, a free end 132 of second strap portion 118 may be feedand/or positioned through opening 134 of loop 128, and a portion ofsecond strap portion 118 may be fold back on itself to couple wearableelectronic device 100 (see, FIG. 1) to a user or a desired object. In anon-limiting example, loop 128 may be formed from a distinct material orcomponent that may be coupled to the material forming first strapportion 112 (see, FIG. 2). In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2,loop 128 may be a distinct component from first strap portion 112, andmay be formed from a material having magnetic properties. In thenon-limiting example, loop 128 may be formed from a ferrous metalmaterial, and may be coupled to end 130 of first strap portion 112 usingany suitable coupling component and/or technique (e.g., thread,adhesive, melting and so on). As discussed herein, loop 128 of firststrap portion 112 may be formed from a material having magneticproperties to prevent free end 132 of second strap portion 118 frombeing completely and/or undesirably removed from loop 128 during use ofwearable electronic device 100 (see, FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 2, wearable band 110 may also include a retention loop135 positioned on and/or substantially around second strap portion 118.As discussed herein, retention loop 135 may aid in securing free end 132and/or a portion of second strap portion 118 to the remainder of secondstrap portion 118 when free end 132 is positioned through loop 128 andfolded back onto the remaining portion of second strap portion 118.Retention loop 135 may form an opening (not shown) located betweensecond strap portion 118 of wearable band assembly 110 and retentionloop 135, where the opening may receive free end 132 and/or a portion ofsecond strap portion 118. In a non-limiting example, retention loop 135may be coupled to and/or fixed in a predetermined position of secondstrap portion 118. In another non-limiting example, retention loop 135may surround second strap portion 118, and may be free to move over thelength of second strap portion 118 of wearable band 110.

In another non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 3, loop 128 may beformed integrally with first strap portion 112. More specifically, loop128 may be formed from the same material forming first strap portion112, and may include top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 (see, FIG. 4),as similarly discussed herein with respect to first strap portion 112.As shown in FIG. 3, opening 134 of loop 128 may be formed through thematerial forming loop 128 and/or first strap portion 112 and may receivefree end 132 of second strap portion 118.

As shown in FIG. 3, where loop 128 is integrally formed with first strapportion 112, loop 128 may include reinforcing fibers 136 (shown inphantom). More specifically, reinforcing fibers 136 may be positionedwithin at least a portion of loop 128 and/or may substantially surroundat least a portion of opening 134 of loop 128. In a non-limitingexample, as shown in FIG. 3, reinforcing fibers 136 may be positionedaround an entire circumference of loop 128 and/or opening 134 of loop128. In another non-limiting example, not shown, reinforcing fibers maybe positioned within two opposite portions of the circumference of loop128 and/or opening 134. In the non-limiting example, reinforcing fibers136 may be positioned within a first portion of loop 128 positioneddirectly adjacent free end 132 of second strap portion 118, and anopposition portion of loop 128 positioned directly adjacent the body offirst strap portion 112.

Reinforcing fibers 136 may be made from a flexible material that may bewoven through top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 of material formingloop 128, to provide additional support to loop 128 during use ofwearable band 110. That is, reinforcing fibers 136 may provideadditional support to loop 128 of first strap portion 112 to minimize apull stress placed on loop 128 by second strap portion 118 when wearableelectronic device 100 is being used. As similar discussed herein withrespect to FIG. 2 and as discussed in detail below, reinforcing fibers136 may be formed from a material having magnetic properties to preventfree end 132 of second strap portion 118 from being completely and/orundesirably removed from loop 128 during use of wearable electronicdevice 100 (see, FIG. 1).

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section top view of second strap portion 118 ofwearable band 110 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 4shows second strap portion 118 with top layer 120 removed. As shown inFIG. 4, and as discussed herein with respect to FIG. 2, couplingcomponent 126 may be positioned substantially around and/orsubstantially adjacent to a perimeter of second strap portion 118.Coupling component 126 may include an adhesive or bonding agent that maypositioned on bottom layer 122 of second strap portion 118, and maycouple or bond bottom layer 122 to top layer 120 (see, FIG. 2) to formsecond strap portion 118. The adhesive or bonding agent forming couplingcomponent 126 may be any suitable adhesive capable of coupling thematerial forming top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 of second strapportion 118.

Second strap portion 118 may include a plurality of components 138, 140and inserts 142. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, second strapportion 118 may include a first group of components 138 positionedadjacent housing end 124, and a second group of component 140 positionedadjacent free end 132, opposite first group of component 138. Secondstrap portion 118 may also include a plurality of inserts 142 positionedbetween first group of component 138 and second group of components 140.The first group of components 138, the second group of components 140and the plurality of inserts 142 may be positioned within second strapportion 118 between top layer 120 (see, FIG. 2) and bottom layer 122.

The first group of components 138, the second group of components 140and the plurality of inserts 142 may all include magnetic properties.That is, each of the components 138, 140 and inserts 142 may all beformed from a material that may include magnetic properties (e.g.,magnetic field, magnetic attraction, and so on). In non-limitingexamples, first group of components 138 may include a plurality of firstmagnets 144 having a first magnetic field, and second group ofcomponents 140 may include a plurality of second magnets 146 having asecond magnetic field distinct from the first magnetic field of thefirst magnets 144. The second magnetic field of the second magnets 146of the second group of component 140 may be distinct (for example,larger) than the first magnetic field of the first magnets 144 of thefirst group of component 138. Additionally in a non-limiting example,the plurality of inserts 142 may be formed from a ferrous metal materialand may be magnetically attracted to second magnets 146 of the secondgroup of components 140. As discussed in detail below, second magnets146 of the second group of components 140 may be magnetically attractedand/or coupled to first magnets 144 of the first group of components 138and/or the plurality of inserts 142 for coupling wearable electronicdevice 100 (see, FIG. 1) including wearable band 110 to a user.

As shown in FIG. 4, the number of first magnets 144 in first group ofcomponents 138 included in second strap portion 118 may be larger thanthe number of second magnets 146 in second group of components 140and/or the number of inserts in the plurality of inserts 142. As aresult, first magnets 144 in first group of components 138 may bepositioned over the majority of second strap portion 118. In anon-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 4, first magnets 144 in firstgroup of components 138 may be positioned over approximately half of alength of second strap portion 118. Second magnets 146 in second groupof components 140 and the plurality of inserts 142 may span or bepositioned over the remainder of the length of second strap portion 118.In a non-limiting example, second magnets 146 in second group ofcomponents 140 may be positioned over at least a quarter of the lengthof second strap portion 118. Additionally, the plurality of inserts 142may be positioned over the remaining portion of second strap portion 118between first group of components 138 and second group of components140.

It is understood that the number of components 138, 140 or magnets 144,146 and/or inserts 142 shown in FIG. 4 may be merely exemplary. That is,the number of components, magnets and/or inserts shown in FIG. 4 may bemerely exemplary for clearly and completely describing the disclosure,and may not represent the actual number of components, magnets and/orinserts used to form wearable band 110 for wearable electronic device100 (see, FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 4, second magnets 146 of second group of components 140man include an enlarged second magnet 146A positioned directly adjacentfree end 132 of second strap portion 118. Enlarged second magnet 146Amay be substantially larger than the remaining second magnets 146 ofsecond group of components 140. Additionally, enlarged second magnet146A may be substantially larger than the remaining first magnets 144 offirst group of components 138, and/or the plurality of inserts 142 ofsecond strap portion 118. Enlarged second magnet 146A may be larger thanthe remaining second magnets 146 of second group of components 140 toproduce a stronger magnetic field or flux, and to ultimately ensure thatthe portion of second strap portion 118 including enlarged second magnet146A is magnetically coupled to a distinct first magnet 144 and/orinsert 142, as discussed herein. Additionally, as a result of thestronger magnetic field or flux of enlarged second magnet 146A, enlargedsecond magnet 146A may be magnetically coupled and/or attracted to loop128 of first strap portion 112 (see, FIG. 2). This magneticcoupling/attraction to loop 128 may substantially prevent free end 132of second strap portion 118 from being easily and/or undesirably removedfrom loop 128 when wearable electronic device 100 including wearableband 110 (see, FIG. 1) is taken off of a user and/or wearable band 110is adjusted.

To aid in the positioning of free end 132 of second strap portion 118through loop 128, second strap portion 118 may also include a length ofexcess material 148 between free end 132 and second magnets 146 ofsecond group of components 140. Excess material 148 may provide a user aportion of material to grab that is not magnetically attracted to loop128 of first strap portion 112, when positioning free end 132 of secondstrap portion 118 through loop 128. The excess material 148 may aid inposition free end 132 through loop 128 to magnetically couple secondmagnets 146 of second group of components 140 with first magnets 144 offirst group of components 138 and/or the plurality of inserts 142, andultimately couple wearable electronic device 100 to a user, as discussedherein.

As shown in FIG. 4, second strap portion 118 may also include aprotective layer 150. Protective layer 150 may be coupled to the variouscomponents 138, 140 and/or inserts 142 positioned within second strapportion 118. In a non-limiting example, protective layer 150 may becoupled to first magnets 144 of first group of components 138, secondmagnets 146 of second group of components 140 and/or the plurality ofinserts 142 positioned within second strap portion 118. Additionally,and as shown in FIG. 4, protective layer 150 may be positioned betweenfirst magnets 144 of first group of components 138, second magnets 146of second group of components 140 and/or the plurality of inserts 142,respectively. Protective layer 150 may include a single layer ofmaterial, two separate layers of material, or a plurality of distinctportions of a material. In a non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 4,protective layer 150 may include a plurality of distinct portions of amaterial positioned between and coupled to each of the respectivemagnets 144, 146 and inserts 142 for coupling the magnets 144, 146 andinserts 142 together within second strap portion 118. In additionalnon-limiting examples, not shown, the respective magnets 144, 146 andinserts 142 may be coupled to a first surface of a single layer ofprotective layer 150, or may be coupled and/or sandwiched between twodistinct layers of protective layer 150. In a non-limiting example,protective layer 150 may be formed from a polycarbonate material, andmay be included within second strap portion 118 to protect magnets 144,146 and inserts 142, coupled the respective magnets 144, 146 and inserts142 together, and/or to maintain the shape of second strap portion 118of wearable band 110. In another non-limiting example, protective layer150 may be formed from any suitable material that may add structuralsupport and/or stiffness to wearable band 110, such as a moldedelastomer, liquid crystal polymer fibers (e.g., Vectran®), aromaticpolyester fibers, para-aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), polyamide fibers(e.g., Nylon®), and the like.

Additionally, second strap portion 118 may include a filler material152. As shown in FIG. 4, filler material 152 may substantially surroundfirst magnets 144 of first group of components 138, second magnets 146of second group of components 140 and/or the plurality of inserts 142.Additionally, filler material 152 may substantially surround protectivelayer 150 of second strap portion 118. As shown in FIG. 4, fillermaterial 152 may substantially surround magnets 144, 146, inserts 142,and/or protective layer 150, and may fill in the space between magnets144, 146, inserts 142, and/or protective layer 150, and couplingcomponent 126. Filler material 152 may be formed from any suitablematerial that may provide and/or maintain the structure of second strapportion 118 including, but not limited to, fabric, foam, rubber, moldedelastomer, liquid crystal polymer fibers (e.g., Vectran®), aromaticpolyester fibers, para-aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), polyamide fibers(e.g., Nylon®), or the like.

Although not shown, it is understood that first strap portion 112,similar to second strap portion 118, may also include filler material152. That is, first strap portion 112 may also include filler material152 to substantially maintain the structure, texture, thickness and/orappearance as second strap portion 118.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross-section side views of distinct portions ofsecond strap portion 118 of wearable band 110. In a non-limitingexample, FIG. 5A shows a cross-section side view of second strap portion118 taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4, and depicts first magnets 144 offirst group of components 138 positioned between top layer 120 andbottom layer 122 of second strap portion 118. Additionally, FIG. 5Bshows a cross-section side view of second strap portion 118 taken alongline 5B-5B of FIG. 4, and depicts second magnets 146 of second group ofcomponents 140 positioned between top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 ofsecond strap portion 118. It is understood that similarly namedcomponents or similarly numbered components may function in asubstantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or mayinclude similar interactions with other components. Redundantexplanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, second strap portion 118 may also include amagnetic shield 154. In non-limiting examples, a plurality of magneticshields 154 may be coupled to or substantially surround a portion ofeach first magnet 144 (see, FIG. 5A) and each second magnet 146 (see,FIG. 5B), respectively. The portion of each first magnet 144 and secondmagnet 146 covered by magnetic shield 154 may be a bottom portion ofeach magnet 144, 146 positioned adjacent bottom layer 122 of secondstrap portion 118. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, magnetic shield 154 maycover a portion of first magnets 144 and second magnets 146,respectively, positioned directly adjacent bottom layer 122. A topportion of magnets 144, 146, opposite the bottom portion covered bymagnetic shield 154, may remain substantially uncovered to aid in themagnetic coupling of magnets 144, 146 and/or inserts 142 during use ofwearable electronic device 100, as discussed herein. Magnetic shield 154of second strap portion 118 may substantially block, redirect orminimize a magnetic flux in a portion of the magnets 144, 146 covered bymagnetic shield 154. In the non-limiting example, magnetic shield 154may block a portion of the magnetic flux of first magnets 144 and secondmagnets 146 in areas that may be exposed to foreign magnetic materialsor objects, in order to prevent wearable band 110 including second strapportion 118, from being undesirably attracted or magnetically coupled toforeign objects. In a non-limiting example, magnetic shield 154 may bemade from an iron alloy (e.g., steel).

Second strap portion 118 of wearable band 110 may also include a resinouter coating 156. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, resin outer coating 156may be formed around each of first magnets 144 and magnetic shield 154(see, FIG. 5A), and second magnets 146 and magnetic shield 154 (see,FIG. 5B), respectively. Resign outer coating 156 may form a barrieraround magnets 144, 146 and magnetic shield 154, and may separatemagnets 144, 146 and magnetic shield 154 from distinct components (e.g.,protective layer 150, filler material 152) positioned between top layer120 and bottom layer 122 of second strap portion 118. Resin outercoating 156 may be formed using any suitable casting technique orprocess, and may be formed around the respective magnets 144, 146 andmagnetic shield 154 to encompass both components. Additionally, Resinouter coating 156 may be formed from any suitable resin material thatmay formed around magnets 144, 146 and magnetic shield 154 to maintainthe coupling between magnets 144, 146 and magnetic shield 154, and/orprovide structure to magnets 144, 146 and magnetic shield 154 withinsecond strap portion 118.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 mayinclude protrusions 158 positioned substantially adjacent magnets 144,146. In a non-limiting example, the portions of top layer 120 and bottomlayer 122 positioned directly above and/or below magnets 144, 146 mayinclude protrusions 158, extending above the remaining portions of toplayer 120 and bottom layer 122, respectively. Protrusions 158 may beformed in top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 as a result of thedimension of magnets 144, 146, magnetic shields 154 and/or resin outercoating 156, as well as, the hardness of each of the components (e.g.,magnets 144, 146, magnetic shields 154 and so on) positioned betweenprotrusions 158. Additionally, protrusions 158 may be formed as a resultof magnets 144, 146 and/or magnetic shield 154 being formed frommaterials that are not substantially deformable, and/or because magnets144, 146, magnetic shields 154 and/or resin outer coating 156 may besubstantially larger than protective layer 150. However, protrusions 158may be substantially minimal and may or may not be visible to a user ofwearable band 110. That is, protrusions 158, although extending abovethe remaining portions of top layer 120 and below bottom layer 122 ofsecond strap portion 118, may only extend above/below a negligibleamount, such that a user of wearable band 110 including second strapportion 118 may view top layer 120 and bottom layer 122 as substantiallylinear surfaces. As discussed herein, protrusions 158 formed on toplayer 120 and bottom layer 122 may aid in the aligning and/or magneticcoupling of second strap portion 118 when wearable electronic device 100is coupled to a user using wearable band 110.

Turning to FIGS. 6-9, a description of how wearable band 110 functionsto couple wearable electronic device 100 (see, FIG. 1) to a user may nowbe discussed. Specifically, FIGS. 6-9 may illustrate how a portion ofsecond band 118 is positioned through loop 128 of first band 112 andfolded back onto itself, such that second magnets 146 of second group ofcomponents 140 may be coupled to first magnets 144 of first group ofcomponents 138 and/or inserts 142 to secure wearable band 110 around auser.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of wearable band 110 of wearable electronicdevice 100 (see, FIG. 1) including second strap portion 118 coupled tofirst strap portion 112. More specifically, free end 132 of second strapportion 118 may be positioned or feed through opening 134 of loop 128coupled to first strap portion 112, and may be subsequently pulledtoward housing end 124 of second strap portion 118 to couple secondstrap portion 118 to first strap portion 112. As shown in FIG. 6, and asdiscussed herein, free end 132 may be feed through an opening formed byretention loop 135, and retention loop 135 may aid in securing a portionof second strap portion 118 to the remainder of second strap portion118. Additionally, as a result of folding a portion 160 of second strapportion 118 back onto itself to couple second strap portion 118 to firststrap portion 112, bottom layer 122 of the folded portion 160 may beexposed and/or facing away from a contact surface (e.g., user's skin) inwhich the wearable band 110 is coupled.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a portion of wearable band includingsecond strap portion 118 coupled to first strap portion 112. In anon-limiting example shown in FIG. 7, second strap portion 118 may bepositioned or feed through opening 134 of loop 128 coupled to firststrap portion 112, and may be subsequently pulled toward housing end 124(see, FIG. 6) of second strap portion 118 to couple second strap portion118 to first strap portion 112. As shown in FIG. 7, folded portion 160of second strap portion 118 positioned through and/or adjacent loop 128of first strap portion 112 may include a substantial curve in thematerial forming second strap portion 118 to fold folded portion 160back onto the remaining portion of second strap portion 118. The foldedportion 160 may include this curve, and ultimately may include a minimalheight (H) difference within folded portion 160, as a result of magnets144, 146 being separated and/or spaced apart. In the non-limitingexample, folded portion 160 may be closely folded around loop 128 offirst strap portion 112, such that the height (H) of the fold issubstantially small, as a result of magnets 144, 146 being spaced apartand/or separated by the flexible material forming protective layer 150.When spaced apart, magnets 144, 146 may not substantially obstruct orlimit the flexibility of second strap portion 118 by contacting eachother during the folding of folded portion 160 around loop 128. Theheight (H) of folded portion 160 may be substantially small ornegligible to avoid the undesirable catching of folding portion 160 onanother object, and ultimately the uncoupling of folded portion 160 fromthe remaining portion of second strap portion 118.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-section side view of a portion of secondstrap portion 118 in FIG. 7. In a non-limiting example, FIG. 8 shows aportion of fold portion 160 including second magnets 146 coupled to theremaining portion of second strap portion 118 including first magnets144. When fold portion 160 contacts the remaining portion of secondstrap portion 118, the respective magnets, 144, 146 may be magneticallyattracted to, and/or coupled to one another. That is, and as shown inFIG. 8, second magnets 146 included in folded portion 160 may bepositioned adjacent and/or above first magnets 144 of second strapportion 118, and may be magnetically coupled to surrounding firstmagnets 144. The magnetic attraction between first magnet 144 and secondmagnet 146 may be illustrated within FIG. 8 using reference arrows. Asshown in FIG. 8, and discussed in detail herein, the polarityconfiguration of magnets 144, 146 may result in second magnets 144 beingaligned between and magnetically coupled to two distinct first magnets146. As a result, magnets 144, 146 may be aligned in a staggeredconfiguration as shown in FIG. 8.

Additionally as shown in FIG. 8, protrusions 158 formed on top layer 120and bottom layer 122 of second strap portion 118 may aid in thestaggered alignment of first magnets 144 and second magnets 146.Protrusions 158 of folded portion 160 may be positioned betweenprotrusions 158 formed in the remaining portion of second strap portion118 to align first magnets 144 with second magnets 146 in a staggeredconfiguration. As discussed herein, the staggering of first magnets 144and second magnets 146 may provide for a strong bond or magneticcoupling between folded portion 160 and the remaining portion of secondstrap portion 118.

As shown in FIG. 8, and discussed herein, protrusion 158 formed on toplayer 120 of folder portion 160 of second strap portion 118 may bepositioned adjacent to protrusions 158 formed on top layer 120 of theremaining portion of second strap portion 118. Additionally, bottomlayer 122 in folded portion 160 and bottom layer 122 of the remainingportion of second strap portion 118 may be positioned opposite oneanother and/or may be exposed. As a result, and as shown in FIG. 8,magnetic shields 154 may also be positioned adjacent the exposed bottomlayer 122. As discussed herein, magnetic shields 154 may be positionedadjacent the exposed bottom layer 122 when folded portion 160 is coupledto the remaining portion of second strap portion 118 to prevent wearableband 110 from being undesirably attracted to and/or magnetically coupledto foreign objects.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged top view of a portion of second strap portion118 after free end 132 is fold over and positioned on the remainingportion of second strap portion 118. Top layer 120 of second strapportion 118 is removed in FIG. 9 to clearly show the alignment of firstmagnets 144 (shown in phantom), and second magnets 146 in folded portion160 of second strap 118. As shown in FIG. 9, first magnets 144 andsecond magnets 146 may be magnetized and/or include various alternatingmagnetic fields or polarities (e.g., north (N), south (S)) over thelength of the magnet. In a non-limiting example, first magnets 144 mayinclude a first configuration of alternating magnetic fields over thelength of the magnet, and second magnets 146 may include a secondconfiguration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of themagnet, distinct from the first configuration of first magnets 144. Asshown in FIG. 9, each of the individual magnetic fields of the secondconfiguration of alternating magnetic fields for second magnets 146 mayinclude a magnetic polarity opposite to a corresponding individualmagnet field of the first configuration of alternating magnetic fieldsfor first magnets 144.

The configuration of magnetic fields for first magnets 144 and secondmagnets 146 may be opposite one another to form a magnetic attraction ormagnetic bond between the respective magnets, as discussed herein. In anon-limiting example, each individual portion of second magnet 146includes a polarity that may be magnetically attracted to and/ormagnetically bonded to a corresponding portion of first magnet 144including an opposite polarity. Additionally, as a result of spacing themagnets apart, within second strap portion 118, each second magnet 146may be positioned between and may be magnetically attracted to and/ormagnetically bonded to two first magnets 144 positioned on either sideof second magnet 146. This may ultimately result in a strong magneticbond between folded portion 160 of second strap portion 118 and theremaining portion of second strap portion 118 when wearable band 110 iscoupled to a user's wrist. Finally, the first and second configurationsof the magnetic fields for each of first magnets 144 and second magnets146 may allow folded portion 160 of second strap portion 118 to bealigned with the remaining portion of second strap portion 118 duringmagnetic bonding or coupling. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG.9, both first magnets 144 and second magnets 146 include a plurality ofalternating, and opposite, magnetic fields throughout the entire lengthof the respective magnets. As a result, second magnets 146 may bealigned with, and magnetically bonded to first magnets 144 in such a waythat all portions are magnetically bonded or attracted. Furthermore,when magnetically bonded, the magnetic field configurations of firstmagnets 144 and second magnets 146 may not only align the respectivemagnets, but may also align the edges of folded portion 160 and theremaining portion of second strap portion 118 when wearable band 110 iscoupled to a user.

In an additional non-limiting example, protrusions 158 of top layer 120and bottom layer 122 of the respective strap portions may besubstantially aligned and/or contacting when utilizing wearable band110. FIG. 10 shows an enlarged cross-section side view of a portion ofsecond strap portion 118 in FIG. 7, according to another embodiment. Ina non-limiting example shown in FIG. 10, a portion of fold portion 160including second magnets 146 may be coupled to the remaining portion ofsecond strap portion 118 including first magnets 144. Like FIG. 8, therespective magnets 144, 146 may be magnetically attracted to, and/orcoupled to one another, as illustrated in FIG. 10 using referencearrows. Distinct from FIG. 8, protrusions 158 of second strap portion118 may be in substantial alignment and/or may contact each other whenfolded portion 160 of second strap portion 118 is magnetically coupledto the remaining portion of second strap portion 118. In thenon-limiting example, the polarity configuration of magnets 144, 146 mayresult in first magnets 146 being aligned directly above andmagnetically coupled to a single, corresponding second magnets 144. As aresult, and compared to FIG. 8, each of the first magnets 144 may bealigned in a common vertical plane as a corresponding second magnet 146as shown in FIG. 10. Additionally, each protrusion 158 of folded portion160 may also be aligned in a common vertical plane with a correspondingprotrusion 158 in the remaining portion of second strap portion 118, andno protrusions 158 included in the folded portion 160 may be positionedbetween two distinct protrusions 158 of the remaining portion of secondstrap portion 118. As discussed herein, a common vertical plane may beunderstood as a vertical plane passing through a top and bottom magnetand/or protrusions with respect to the orientation and positioning shownin FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, and as discussed herein, protrusion 158 formed ontop layer 120 of folder portion 160 of second strap portion 118 may bepositioned adjacent to, and substantially aligned with, correspondingprotrusions 158 formed on top layer 120 of the remaining portion ofsecond strap portion 118. Additionally, bottom layer 122 in foldedportion 160 and bottom layer 122 of the remaining portion of secondstrap portion 118 may be positioned opposite one another, aligned and/orexposed. As a result, and as shown in FIG. 10, magnetic shields 154 mayalso be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer 122. As discussedherein, magnetic shields 154 may be positioned adjacent the exposedbottom layer 122 when folded portion 160 is coupled to the remainingportion of second strap portion 118.

As similarly discussed herein with respect to FIG. 9, first magnets 144and second magnets 146 may be magnetized and/or include variousalternating magnetic fields or polarities (e.g., north (N), south (S))over the length of the magnet. In a non-limiting example, first magnets144 may include a first configuration of alternating magnetic fieldsover the length of the magnet, and second magnets 146 may include asecond configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length ofthe magnet, distinct from the first configuration of first magnets 144.Each of the individual magnetic fields of the second configuration ofalternating magnetic fields for second magnets 146 may include amagnetic polarity opposite to a corresponding individual magnet field ofthe first configuration of alternating magnetic fields for first magnets144.

The configuration of magnetic fields for first magnets 144 and secondmagnets 146 may be opposite one another to form a magnetic attraction ormagnetic bond between the respective magnets, as discussed herein. In anon-limiting example, each individual portion of second magnet 146including a first polarity may be magnetically attracted to and/ormagnetically bonded to a corresponding portion of first magnet 144including an opposite polarity. Additionally, as a result of theconfiguration of the magnets within second strap portion 118, eachsecond magnet 146 may be aligned in a common plane and may bemagnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a single,corresponding first magnet 144 directly below second magnet 146.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, it is understood that the magneticattraction and/or the coupling of the folded portion 160 and theremaining portion of second strap portion 118 may cause at least apartial deformation in wearable band 110. As a result of the flexibleand/or elastic material used to form at least a portion of second strapportion 118, aligned and contacting protrusions 158 of second strapportion 118 may be deformed, such that second strap portion 118 issubstantially flat or linear. The deformation of protrusions 158 may bebased on the magnetic attraction and/or magnetic coupling formed betweenthe magnets 144, 146 of wearable band 110.

Although shown herein as including two distinct straps (e.g., firststrap portion 112, second strap portion 118), wearable band may beformed from a single strap. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 11,wearable band 1010 may be formed as a single strap, such that firststrap portion 1012 and second strap portion 1018 may be integrallyformed. It is understood that similarly named components or similarlynumbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, mayinclude similar materials and/or may include similar interactions withother components. Redundant explanation of these components has beenomitted for clarity.

As discussed herein, wearable band 1010 may be formed from a singlepiece of material. That is, wearable band 1010 may be formed from asingle piece of material (e.g., leather), where top layer 1020 is foldedover and positioned above bottom layer 1022 (not shown) to form wearableband 1010. Where wearable band 1010 is formed from a single piece ofmaterial, the fold in the material to differentiate between top layer1020 and bottom layer 1022 may be positioned at end 1030, adjacent loop1028. The single piece of material forming wearable band 1010 may befeed through loop 1028 of wearable band 1010, and loop 1028 may bepartially positioned between top layer 1020 and bottom layer 1022, andsecured at end 1030 of wearable band 1010. In another non-limitingexample, not shown, single strap wearable band 1010 may be formed fromtwo pieces of material, where each piece of material forms a respectivelayer (e.g., top, bottom) of wearable band 1010.

Wearable band 1010, as shown in FIG. 11, may function substantiallysimilar to wearable band 110 discussed herein with respect to FIGS.1-10. That is, wearable band 1010 may include free end 1032 positionedopposite, and capable of being positioned through loop 1028 to be foldedback onto a remaining portion of wearable band 1010 to couple wearableelectronic device 100 (see, FIG. 1) to a user. Although not shown, it isunderstood that second strap portion 1018 of wearable band 1010 mayinclude a similar internal configuration as second strap portion 118discussed herein with respect to FIG. 4. In a non-limiting example,wearable band 1010 may also include a first group of components (e.g.,first magnets), a second group of components (e.g., second magnets) anda plurality of inserts positioned between the first and second group ofcomponents. The first and second group of components and plurality ofinserts may be utilized to couple a folded portion of second strapportion 1018 to a remaining portion of wearable band 1010 to ultimatelycouple wearable electronic device 100 to a user, as discussed hereinwith respect to FIGS. 1-10.

FIG. 12 depicts an example process for forming a wearable band for awearable electronic device. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a flowchartdepicting one example process 1100 for forming a wearable band for awearable electronic device. In some cases, the process may be used toform one or more wearable bands, as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 1-11.

In a preliminary, optional operation 1102 (shown in phantom) a pluralityof components may be processed. More specifically, at least a portion ofa plurality of components having magnetic properties may undergopreliminary processes. The processing of at least a portion of theplurality of components may include at least one of coupling a magneticshield to at least one side of at least the portion of the plurality ofcomponents, and/or forming a resin coating around at least the portionof the plurality of components. Additionally, the resin coating formedaround the components may also be formed around the magnetic shield,where a magnet shield is coupled to at least one side of at least theportion of the plurality of components.

In operation 1104, a plurality of components may be coupled to aprotective layer. The plurality of components may include magneticproperties. The coupling of the plurality of components may includecoupling a first group of magnets to the protective layer, and couplinga second group of magnets to the protective layer opposite the firstgroup of magnets. The first and second group of magnets may or may notbe magnetized when coupled to the protective layer. The coupling ofoperation 1104 may also include coupling a plurality of inserts to theprotective layer between the first group of magnets and the second groupof magnets. Like the first and second group of magnets, the plurality ofinserts may include magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field, magneticattraction, and so on). Additionally, the coupling of the plurality ofcomponents to the protective layer may also include positioning at leasta portion of the protective layer between each of the components (e.g.,first and second group of magnets, inserts). Each of the first group ofmagnets, second group of magnets and plurality of inserts may be spacedapart from one another, and/or may be separated by a portion of theprotective layer.

In operation 1106, a filler material may be coupled to at least one ofthe protective layer and/or plurality of components. More specifically,a filler material may be coupled to at least one of the first group ofmagnets, the second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts and/orthe protective layer. Filler material may be coupled to the respectivecomponents (e.g., magnets, inserts, protective layer) to formsubstantially a perimeter around the components. The coupling of thefiller material to the protective layer and/or plurality of componentsmay also result in the formation of an internal assembly. The internalassembly may include the first group of magnets, the second group ofmagnets, the plurality of inserts, the protective layer and the fillermaterial.

In operation 1108, the internal assembly may be positioned within astrap of a wearable electronic device. More specifically, the internalassembly, including the first and second group of magnets, the inserts,the protective layer and the filler material, may be positioned and/orsecured within a strap of a wearable electronic device. The strap may beformed from a single piece of material, or a plurality of pieces ofmaterial. Where the strap is formed from a single piece of material, thepositioning of the internal assembly in operation 1108 may furtherinclude positioning the internal assembly on an inner surface of abottom layer of the strap, and subsequently folding a top layer of thestrap over the internal assembly and bottom layer. Additionally, thestrap may be formed as a single strap that may be coupled to thewearable electronic device, or strap may be formed from multiple pieces,that may be individually coupled to the wearable electronic device.

In operation 1110 (shown in phantom), at least a portion of theplurality of components of the internal assembly may be magnetized. Thatis, the first group of magnets and second group of magnets, if notmagnetized already, may undergo an magnetizing process. The magnetizingof the portion of components included in the internal assembly mayinclude magnetizing the first group of magnets to have a first uniquepattern of polarities, and magnetizing the second group of magnets tohave a second unique pattern of polarities, distinct and/or oppositefrom the first unique pattern of polarities of the first group ofmagnets. The first group and second group of magnets may includedistinct and/or opposite polarities so that the second group of magnetsmay be magnetically coupled to the first group of magnets during use ofthe wearable band. Additionally, the distinct and/or opposite polaritiesbetween the first and second group of magnets may aid in the alignmentof the portions of the band including the respective magnets during useof the wearable band. The second group of magnets may also bemagnetically coupled to and/or attracted to the plurality of insertsincluding magnetic properties.

Although not shown, the internal assembly and/or the strap may undergoadditional process for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronicdevice. For example, at least a portion of the strap may be cut. In anon-limiting example, the strap may undergo a cutting process, where atleast a portion of the strap is cut. The strap may be cut to alter thelength, and/or width of the strap to a specific or desired dimension.Additionally, a free end of the strap that may be folded back onto aportion of the strap to couple to wearable band to a user may also becut so that the free end visually and/or cosmetically matches the widthof the remaining portion of the wearable band. The strap may be cutprior to positioning the internal assembly within the strap, orsubsequent to positioning the internal assembly within the strap.

An additional process not shown may include bonding the edges of thestrap including the internal assembly. More specifically, subsequent topositioning the internal assembly within the strap, the edges of the toplayer and the bottom layer forming the strap may be bonded together tomaintain the internal assembly within the strap. The edges may be bondedusing any suitable bonding component or technique. In non-limitingexamples, the edges of the strap may be bonded using an adhesive or bystitching the top layer to the bottom layer using a thread positionedthrough the respective layers adjacent the edges of the strap.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

We claim:
 1. A watch band comprising: a first strap portion including aloop; and a second strap portion insertable through the loop of thefirst strap portion, the second strap portion including first magnetsand second magnets, wherein each of the first magnets lies beneath afirst protrusion on a first surface of the second strap portion, each ofthe second magnets lies beneath a second protrusion on a second surfaceof the second strap portion, the first magnets and the second magnetsare arranged to be magnetically coupled to each other in a firstalignment relative to each other while the second strap portion is in afirst folded state with the first protrusions overlapping the secondprotrusions, and the first magnets and the second magnets are furtherarranged to be magnetically coupled to each other in a second alignmentrelative to each other, different than the first alignment, while thesecond strap portion is in a second folded state with the firstprotrusions extending into gaps between adjacent pairs of the secondprotrusions.
 2. The watch band of claim 1, wherein the first magnetsinclude a first magnets having a first magnetic field.
 3. The watch bandof claim 2, wherein the second magnets include a second magnets having asecond magnetic field, distinct from the first magnetic field.
 4. Thewatch band of claim 3, wherein the second magnetic field of the secondmagnets is stronger than the first magnetic field of the first magnets.5. The watch band of claim 3, wherein the second magnets includes anenlarged magnet positioned directly adjacent a second end of the secondstrap portion, the enlarged magnet substantially larger than a remainderof the second magnets.
 6. The watch band of claim 1, wherein the loop ofthe first strap portion is formed from a material having magneticproperties.
 7. The watch band of claim 6, wherein the loop of the firststrap portion is formed from a ferrous metal material.
 8. The watch bandof claim 1 further comprising inserts positioned between the firstmagnets and the second magnets, the inserts including magneticproperties.
 9. The watch band of claim 8, wherein a number of the firstmagnets is larger than at least one of: a number of the second magnets;and a number of inserts forming the inserts.
 10. The watch band of claim1, wherein a first length of the second strap portion having the firstmagnets comprises approximately half of a second length of the secondstrap portion having the second magnets.
 11. The watch band of claim 1,wherein over a second length of the second strap portion having thesecond magnets comprises at least approximately a quarter of a totallength of the second strap portion.
 12. A watch comprising: a housing;and a watch band coupled to the housing, the watch band including: afirst strap portion including a loop coupled to the housing; and asecond strap portion coupled to the housing, opposite the first strapportion, the second strap portion including: first magnets each having afirst magnetic polarity; second magnets each having a second magneticpolarity, opposite the first magnetic polarity; and inserts each formedof a magnetically attractable metal and positioned between the firstmagnets and the second magnets, wherein the second magnets are attractedto the first magnets and at least some of the inserts when the secondstrap portion is folded onto itself.
 13. The watch of claim 12, whereinthe first strap portion and the second strap portion are formed fromleather material.
 14. The watch of claim 12, wherein the second strapportion further comprises: a top layer; and a bottom layer positionedopposite the top layer, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer areone of: formed from distinct pieces of material, or formed from a singlepiece of material.
 15. The watch of claim 14, wherein the first magnets,the second magnets and the inserts are positioned between the top layerand the bottom layer of the second strap portion.
 16. The watch of claim12, wherein the second strap portion further comprises a filler materialsubstantially surrounding at least one of: the first magnets; the secondmagnets; and the inserts.
 17. The watch of claim 16, wherein the firststrap portion includes the filler material.
 18. The watch of claim 12,wherein the second strap portion further comprises a protective layer atleast one of: coupled to the first magnets, the second magnets and theinserts, respectively; and positioned between the first magnets, thesecond magnets and the inserts, respectively.
 19. The watch of claim 18,wherein the protective layer is formed from a polycarbonate.
 20. Thewatch of claim 12, wherein the loop is integrally formed with the firststrap portion.
 21. The watch of claim 20, wherein the loop includesreinforcing fibers positioned: around an entire circumference of theloop, or within two opposite portions of the circumference of the loop.22. The watch of claim 21, wherein the reinforcing fibers includemagnetic properties.
 23. The watch of claim 12, wherein the second strapportion includes a length of excess material between an end and thesecond magnets.
 24. The watch of claim 12, wherein the second magnetsare magnetically coupled to at least one of: the first magnets; and theinserts.
 25. The watch of claim 12, wherein the second strap portionfurther comprises a magnetic shield coupled to a bottom side of: thefirst magnets; and the second magnets.
 26. The watch of claim 25,wherein the magnetic shield is formed from steel.
 27. The watch of claim25, wherein the second strap portion further comprises a resin outercoating positioned around: the first magnets and the magnetic shield;and the second magnets and the magnetic shield.
 28. A watch bandcomprising: a first strap portion including a loop formed of amagnetically attractable metal; and a second strap portion insertablethrough the loop of the first strap portion, the second strap portionincluding first magnets and second magnets arranged to be magneticallycoupled to each other when the second strap is folded onto itself,wherein one of the second magnets is an enlarged magnet that ispositioned at a free end of the second strap, produces a strongermagnetic field than each of a remainder of the second magnets, andbecomes magnetically coupled to the loop when the free end of the secondstrap passes through the loop.
 29. The watch band of claim 28, furthercomprising: inserts each formed of a magnetically attractable metal andpositioned between the first magnets and the second magnets, wherein thesecond magnets are attracted to the first magnets and at least some ofthe inserts when the second strap portion is folded onto itself.